Chapman's Century Secures Hong Kong's Victory

Thursday 19 November 2015

Old Collegian Mark Chapman made his maiden century for Hong Kong in his debut ODI match against United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, 16 November.

Mark scored an unbeaten century on his one-day international debut as Hong Kong beat UAE by 89 runs in their ICC World Cricket League in Dubai.

The 21-year-old hit 124 not out with two sixes and 11 fours from 116 balls, contributing to the 298 run total for four wickets against UAE.

The one-day competition is a two-year tournament for eight of the leading Associate teams, and is a pathway to the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018.

Man of the Match, Mark was absolutely delighted with his performance. “It’s a pretty good feeling and even more so getting the first ODI win for Hong Kong. That’s quite a big step, we’ve played quite a few games, so to get a win and climb up the ladder in the WCLC is quite a big thing.”

He had not known how record-breaking his innings was until after the match: “I didn’t actually know the statistics. I’d heard rumours that it might have been up there, but to be second in the list is an honour, and it’s something that no one can erase, so it’s something I am very proud of.”

Coach Simon Cook was equally thrilled with Mark’s record. “Its an incredible performance really, he’s just come in and that’s his first innings on this tour, and to score a hundred is amazing. Obviously there are records that go with that, having made his ODI debut and made a hundred which puts him tenth on the list.

"Credit to him for getting off the plane and pealing off 100 straight away. It shows his mental strength and ability to build an innings and have a game plan, and then stick to it."